Are you having one of those days or seasons of life when the cares of your heart are many? Perhaps your mind is weighed down with disquieting thoughts that are distracting and consuming you.

In the original language, the word, cares, in this verse means disquieting thoughts, divided in mind. Cares…{sigh}…I have them and they often weigh my heart and soul down leaving me feeling defeated, discouraged, and distraught. But as I read this verse today, it was such an encouragement!

I love how the Word of God meets us right where we are, in the midst of our everyday moments, further solidifying what Hebrews 4:12 teaches us—God’s Word is living and active! Literally, it is living, breathing, fresh, powerful and effective. That’s just what Psalm 94:19 did for me today.

Psalm 94:19 tells us that God’s comfort brings joy and cheer to my soul when I’m filled with care. This word in the original language simply means that God takes something bad and makes it better.

I don’t have to carry the burdens that are weighing heavy n my heart and soul. I can exchange them for the joy and peace that God’s presence brings. For me, this is simply, telling God how I’m feeling, what I’m thinking, what’s on my mind and those things burdening my heart and soul. It’s a conversation. That’s what prayer is—a conversation with God. Often it is just being able to “get it out”, to verbalize and process all that is going on in my heart and head. And the Father listens. I love the word picture Psalm 116:2 gives us, “He bends down to hear me”. He is a faithful Father who never tires of hearing from His children. He longs for us to come to Him and “pour out our hearts” to Him. (Psalm 62:8)

If we read the entire Psalm we see some of the ways the Father’s comfort cheers our souls:

For the Lord will not forsake his people… Psalm 94:14

He is our help…Psalm 94:17

His steadfast love upholds us…Psalm 94:18

He is our stronghold and rock of refuge…Psalm 94:22

If the cares of your heart are many, unburden your heart and soul and run to the One who is your rock of refuge, your stronghold, your help, the One who upholds you and will never forsake you. Exchange your cares for the comfort of His presence.

May the Lord be praised! Day after day He bears our burdens; Psalm 68:19 (HCSB)